92bird
Registered User
I'm starting this thread to document my conversion. I am replacing the M5R2 5 speed manual transmission with a modified electronically controlled 4R70W automatic transmission, and the Powertrain Control Solutions stand alone transmission controller. Info on the controller can be found here: www.powertraincontrolsolutions.com
Here is the controller and pre-made 1998+ 4R70W plug in harness:
I am starting with a 38,000 mile 1998 v6 mustang 4R70W transmission. I have disassembled the entire transmission and will be completely overhauling/modifying it with the table full of parts below.
I decided to go with a late 2004 (updated) Mach 1 torque converter, Mach 1 flexplate, bolts and nuts. For the record, the 6 bolt cobra flexplate to crankshaft bolts are the same as the SC, so you could use the ARP bolt kit if you wanted. I test fit the flexplate and bolts to my spare SC engine on the stand and all fits well.
The 98 valve body will get a mild j-mod with accumulator springs left in, as well as all Sonnax updates/upgrades.
Friction count will be updated to OEM v8 specs, adding 1 intermediate clutch and 1 direct clutch over what the v6 trans came with by using v8 pressure plates. I feel this will be adequate for the 450 rwtq I plan to make with the new motor down the road, I could fit more direct frictions but don't feel its necessary.
All new solenoids, including a 5.4L truck high pressure EPC solenoid.
5.4L wave plate installed in forward clutch too.
2.7" OD servo with high load return spring (more apply force)
Shortest reverse servo to reduce drag, and a 3 plate reverse clutch instead of 4 to also reduce forward drag.
Solid one piece teflon rings for the direct clutch feed, had to buy a special tool to install and resize them, but these should work much better than the factory "scarf cut" seals.
All new torrington bearings, pump and tailshaft bushings, and metal clad seals.
Doesn't get any more thorough than this for the expected power level.
For now, I found this tan leather 1994 Lincoln Mark VIII shifter assembly and cable in a junkyard. I also snagged the shift arm from inside of the transmission as the mustang one is shorter and won't work properly with the t-bird/Mark VII shifter. Nothing like laying in a cold muddy puddle with trans fluid dripping in your face on a 12 degree day The tan shifter actually sorta matches the titanium tweed/leather interior, but I can always find a black leather knob down the road. This will get me started.
For a driveshaft, I snagged a 1994 Mark VIII aluminum driveshaft from the junkyard for $15. Its the less desired 2 piece unit, but will work for now until I can get something better.
For a cooler, I went with the Derale Atomic Cool unit with fan. It is their largest stacked plate unit available, with 6an fittings (I will still be using my griffen 5 speed radiator, so this will be the only cooler for the trans). I also got 20ft of Aeroquip Socketless AN hose and fittings, including the special inverted flare fittings to adapt the AN line to the transmission case. Not shown in the picture below is a 180 degree fluid thermostat for the trans cooler circuit, with AN fittings. This will bypass the cooler until the fluid reaches 180 degrees, then will start flowing fluid through the cooler.
Currently I am in the middle of the transmission rebuild (waiting on ford for some snap rings to get clearances right) The trans should be completed 1/28/08, and ready for install in the car. The actual swap will take place Feb 16-24 (taking vacation time from work to work out all the bugs!).
What is interesting is this controller does not use a VSS sensor, it only uses the output shaft speed sensor, which actually allow me to customize a speedo output for whatever rear end gears and tire size I run. Right now the car has 3.27 gears, but 3.55 gears are on the shelf, with a detroit true track diff planned as well.
Stay tuned for more pics and updates.
Jeramie
Here is the controller and pre-made 1998+ 4R70W plug in harness:
I am starting with a 38,000 mile 1998 v6 mustang 4R70W transmission. I have disassembled the entire transmission and will be completely overhauling/modifying it with the table full of parts below.
I decided to go with a late 2004 (updated) Mach 1 torque converter, Mach 1 flexplate, bolts and nuts. For the record, the 6 bolt cobra flexplate to crankshaft bolts are the same as the SC, so you could use the ARP bolt kit if you wanted. I test fit the flexplate and bolts to my spare SC engine on the stand and all fits well.
The 98 valve body will get a mild j-mod with accumulator springs left in, as well as all Sonnax updates/upgrades.
Friction count will be updated to OEM v8 specs, adding 1 intermediate clutch and 1 direct clutch over what the v6 trans came with by using v8 pressure plates. I feel this will be adequate for the 450 rwtq I plan to make with the new motor down the road, I could fit more direct frictions but don't feel its necessary.
All new solenoids, including a 5.4L truck high pressure EPC solenoid.
5.4L wave plate installed in forward clutch too.
2.7" OD servo with high load return spring (more apply force)
Shortest reverse servo to reduce drag, and a 3 plate reverse clutch instead of 4 to also reduce forward drag.
Solid one piece teflon rings for the direct clutch feed, had to buy a special tool to install and resize them, but these should work much better than the factory "scarf cut" seals.
All new torrington bearings, pump and tailshaft bushings, and metal clad seals.
Doesn't get any more thorough than this for the expected power level.
For now, I found this tan leather 1994 Lincoln Mark VIII shifter assembly and cable in a junkyard. I also snagged the shift arm from inside of the transmission as the mustang one is shorter and won't work properly with the t-bird/Mark VII shifter. Nothing like laying in a cold muddy puddle with trans fluid dripping in your face on a 12 degree day The tan shifter actually sorta matches the titanium tweed/leather interior, but I can always find a black leather knob down the road. This will get me started.
For a driveshaft, I snagged a 1994 Mark VIII aluminum driveshaft from the junkyard for $15. Its the less desired 2 piece unit, but will work for now until I can get something better.
For a cooler, I went with the Derale Atomic Cool unit with fan. It is their largest stacked plate unit available, with 6an fittings (I will still be using my griffen 5 speed radiator, so this will be the only cooler for the trans). I also got 20ft of Aeroquip Socketless AN hose and fittings, including the special inverted flare fittings to adapt the AN line to the transmission case. Not shown in the picture below is a 180 degree fluid thermostat for the trans cooler circuit, with AN fittings. This will bypass the cooler until the fluid reaches 180 degrees, then will start flowing fluid through the cooler.
Currently I am in the middle of the transmission rebuild (waiting on ford for some snap rings to get clearances right) The trans should be completed 1/28/08, and ready for install in the car. The actual swap will take place Feb 16-24 (taking vacation time from work to work out all the bugs!).
What is interesting is this controller does not use a VSS sensor, it only uses the output shaft speed sensor, which actually allow me to customize a speedo output for whatever rear end gears and tire size I run. Right now the car has 3.27 gears, but 3.55 gears are on the shelf, with a detroit true track diff planned as well.
Stay tuned for more pics and updates.
Jeramie
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